134 thoughts on “T-48 Hours: Hawaii Testing Failure – No Availability”
Deborah H
Kaiser / Part 2
How much does testing cost?
Testing and diagnosis at Kaiser Permanente are available at no cost to members.
How will I get my test results?
If you’ve been tested at Kaiser Permanente and your result is positive, you’ll get a phone call from us with your results and steps on how to get care. Your result will also be available in your medical record on kp.org. If your test is negative, you’ll be notified through kp.org.
When will I get my test results?
The turnaround time for diagnostic testing is usually within 2 to 3 days. But timing may change based on demand and testing capacity, and whether the test is processed at the Kaiser Permanente lab or at a private commercial lab, which may take longer to report results. We prioritize our lab testing and may use private lab services for asymptomatic, less urgent cases.
Deborah H.
Hi there. We used to have Kaiser, and my login still works. I didn’t try to set an appointment, but this was the information I pulled up:
We’re testing all members with symptoms or suspected exposure, and offering tests to asymptomatic members who are in these groups:
First responders, front-line health care workers, and over 27 other non–health care occupations declared by county, state, or federal regulations to be essential workers requiring testing. This includes teachers, transit workers, food service workers, agricultural or food manufacturing workers, retail and manufacturing workers frequently interacting with the public, and workers providing in-home care for elderly individuals or people with disabilities.
Anyone in close contact with a person with a confirmed case of COVID-19
Residents and employees of facilities where many people live together, including nursing homes and other assisted living facilities, correctional facilities, and mental health facilities
People who live or work in a setting with an outbreak
People required by the health department to be tested (excluding for general surveillance, which is conducted at specific public health agency surveillance testing locations)
Kaiser Permanente patients before surgeries and certain procedures
People required to be tested before seeing their dentist
People who frequently spend time in crowds or on mass transit
Those seeking testing to return to work or college, or to travel
Julieta d
Aloha BOH and readers
What an odyssey this testing plan has been:-). Traveling AA to KOA via PHX from DFW on Sat 10/17/20.
After much research over the weekend, calling AA who doesn’t have much information it seems, and on the phone with our provider, I called my insurance again today to see how we could avoid the $150/person Care Now Rapid result testing and with them on the line they called Quest, CVS and Urgent Care Now to ensure that the coding they use is appropriate.
CVS in Plano is returning tests 2-3days from testing so we’ve scheduled our tests 70 hours prior to our PHX flight, meaning tomorrow around 2pm. Fingers crossed that results will come in within the timeframe. Quest didn’t answer and CareNow takes 3-4days if covered by insurance and not willing to pay $150 per person for rapid results. (Plus, I don’t see them on the trusted list of partners just yet)
Calculated risk that if results don’t come back in time, we still have time to fork out the $150 or $250 at airport if necessary and get results prior to flight.
I looked for locations near me at cvshealth.com/Covid-19/testing-locations and then registered in advance online at cvs.com/minuteclinic/covid-19-testing. You can select times today, tomorrow and the day after. Provided front and back of the insurance card and got an email confirmation for testing tomorrow.
Will keep everyone posted.
Beat of Hawaii
Hi Julieta.
Thanks for that. Good luck!
Aloha.
Julieta d.
Ok. Here’s the latest. We had our tests done 70hrs prior to our last leg ( 10/14 at 1pm and 3pm respectively) and we both got our results today 10/16 at 5am and 7am! Fewer than two days! So in ~ 40hrs results were in which is a great turnaround. Covered for by insurance and not having to pay the $150 in person or mail-in kit.
So we will be on a plane tomorrow 10/17 at 8:51am from DFW!
Thank you BOH and all other fellow writers and providers of great information.
I will update one more time, once we land and advise of how that experience goes.
Excited to be returning to Hawaii :-).
Beat of Hawaii
Hi Julieta.
Thanks for the update. Safe travels (forgive the pun).
Aloha.
Scott W
Do you think that if my doctor prescribes the test at CVS I can get a quicker response? I went on line and the only appoint I could make was for tomorrow. Had wanted to see if I could get one in December before my flight. Have been tested once by our local lab and got results within 14 hours so if I can use that test, not an issue to have the proper paperwork for my arrival in Lihue, but only if they will recognize that testing lab. Will do more research! Thanks for the update.
Beat of Hawaii
Hi Scott.
No idea the answer to that question. But let us know how it goes. Thanks.
Aloha.
Dan p
Where did some of you hear about writing STAT Hawaii on the Vault return package.
Thanks!
Nate B
Called them directly and was told this by the representative.
Dan p
We can confirm Barbara M’s comment about VAULT in Washington state at least. Live in Seattle area, we are flying out to KOA on the 15th on Hawaiian, conducted our VAULT test yesterday via Zoom, lab received our test kit today.
We did not verify we are flying on any particular airline, I did send an email to vault asking about the Hawaiian “preference” including what I’ve read about 24 hour results upon receipt of our samples, was told 24 hours is the turn around time, with no comment about proving flight on Hawaiian.
Keeping our fingers crossed (and praying hard) that the two of us pass all 4 tests, for unrestrained access to the Big I. Also reserved 2 rental vehicles (3 days apart) in the event we need to quarantine for 3 days.
DanJ
Once again. Lay down the standards for the testing lab and the required time frame for the test and leave it up to the traveling public to get it done. Unfortunately Hawaii’s government doesn’t trust human beings to wipe their own rear ends, (probably a reflection of their own ineptitude, but I digress), so we shouldn’t be surprised!
Lets hope Governor Ige steps out of his comfort zone and allows some leeway for the test and gets the county mayors back in line!
Macie L
I just used both AFC Urgent Care and Vault for our family’s trip on 10/15. Here is my experience:
AFC Urgent Care- used the Ladera Ranch, CA location. You can schedule 2 days in advance and there was a lot of availability. They will direct bill insurance but you pay $100 out of pocket (plus any copay) if you want the rapid 20 minute response. I paid the $100. The process was easy and efficient. Got a print out before I left. It lists the molecular test (does NOT indicate whether it was rapid or lab), with the date and time.
Vault- used vault for my son who lives in an area without a lot of testing options. Test arrived the next day. He just took his test via zoom and dropped it off at UPS. Assuming UPS delivers the test to Vault tomorrow morning, we should have results Thurs. If you use them, make sure you write STAT Hawaii on the package so they will expedite it.
Very nervous that something will go wrong despite trying to follow all the rules.
If you do make it to the island, PLEASE let’s all be respectful that this will be a nervous time for the residents. We will be wearing masks at all times (except maybe in the ocean), will patronize as many restaurants as possible but will probably get take out and leave a big tip and social distance. If you do eat at a restaurant, try to opt to eat outside and wear a mask anytime an employee comes by. Okay getting off my soapbox but I feel like this is a gift and I would like Hawaii to be successful!
Beat of Hawaii
Hi Macie.
Thanks for that report.
Aloha.
Roger C.
You are all NUTS! Going through all this BS to still be restricted in Hawaii? Restaurants are closed, beaches closed, no live music. What are you going for? The locals don;t want you there. And to pay hundreds of dollars for tests? I have gotten 4 tests here in Tucson and they pay me $50 to take them as part of a vaccine study. I canceled my trip to Maui for this past Summer and went to Mexico instead. It was great. People great! Beaches opened up Aug. 1, 2020. All restaurants and shops open. People are so happy to see us there. Yes, we ad to get temps taken, sprayed, wash hands, use sanitizer, temps taken again, etc. But that’s it. They even sprayed our vehicle and then certified it as “hygienico”with a sticker. They are more than careful and have beautiful beaches and lower prices. There are other places as well (Cambodia, Thailand, Dominican). They all have their own system and restrictions but NONE are as bad or useless as Hawaii’s regs. Good Luck if You go. I admire your persistence but that’s it. In the end…. No Fun in Hawaii
Nate B
Not real sure where you’re getting your info. The beaches are open. Most restaurants are open in limited capacity – but with very few tourist in comparison to the “normal” then that shouldn’t be an issue.
As long as you’re following the physical distancing requirements, and wearing a mask when needed, there’s really not a difference in the experience.
I keep hearing “locals don’t want you there…” and that may be the case for the vocal minority, but business owners that depend on tourism are sure to be welcoming of those of us that are willing to do what is needed to safely travel and help them out in a time of financial ruin.
Teresa W
We scheduled our test at AFC Urgent Care in our hometown in NC. AFC Urgent Care is listed as a trusted testing partner. However on the Safe Travels website (hawaiicovid19.com/travel) where it lists the trusted providers it provides a link for AFC and the link is specific to AFC Portland afcurgentcareportland.com/traveling-hawaii. On that link it says to ask for the Rapid RNA Molecular test and it says they will get a printed copy of your results to you before you leave. My question is whether the only trusted site is in Portland or if the AFC Urgent Care in my hometown is authorized too. And I want to make sure the test they list on their website is acceptable (Rapid RNA Molecular). I have left two messages on the Safe Travels site.
Amy A
Can you let me know what you find out about AFC Urgent Care sites not based in Portland? I noticed the same thing. I have an AFC Urgent Care not too far from me in FL Nd would like to know if I can use them. Please let me know what you find out.
Laurie G
I just performed my VAULT spit test via Zoom at 2 pm PST (72 hours before my Friday, 10/16/20 United flight from LAX to Lihue). So far, a seamless experience. I then dropped off the test kit at my local UPS store, and it will be shipped today overnight air to the VAULT facility. It will be received tomorrow, Wednesday, and I should get my results by Thursday or Friday morning. VAULT had put a yellow neon sticker on my return package which meant URGENT. I was also told to write STAT/HAWAII on all the packaging. I will update everyone as to when I get my results.
Kyle M
Mahalo. Appreciate learning thru others experiences. We plan to take a very similar path with a late Tuesday test in prep for a Friday flight. Please come back and share your results.
Thanks BofH for the update on how the tests are going. Valuable info for those of us traveling in a few weeks.
Mahalo
Beat of Hawaii
Hi Kyle.
Good luck. Let us know how it goes. Thank you.
Aloha.
Comments are closed.
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Kaiser / Part 2
How much does testing cost?
Testing and diagnosis at Kaiser Permanente are available at no cost to members.
How will I get my test results?
If you’ve been tested at Kaiser Permanente and your result is positive, you’ll get a phone call from us with your results and steps on how to get care. Your result will also be available in your medical record on kp.org. If your test is negative, you’ll be notified through kp.org.
When will I get my test results?
The turnaround time for diagnostic testing is usually within 2 to 3 days. But timing may change based on demand and testing capacity, and whether the test is processed at the Kaiser Permanente lab or at a private commercial lab, which may take longer to report results. We prioritize our lab testing and may use private lab services for asymptomatic, less urgent cases.
Hi there. We used to have Kaiser, and my login still works. I didn’t try to set an appointment, but this was the information I pulled up:
We’re testing all members with symptoms or suspected exposure, and offering tests to asymptomatic members who are in these groups:
First responders, front-line health care workers, and over 27 other non–health care occupations declared by county, state, or federal regulations to be essential workers requiring testing. This includes teachers, transit workers, food service workers, agricultural or food manufacturing workers, retail and manufacturing workers frequently interacting with the public, and workers providing in-home care for elderly individuals or people with disabilities.
Anyone in close contact with a person with a confirmed case of COVID-19
Residents and employees of facilities where many people live together, including nursing homes and other assisted living facilities, correctional facilities, and mental health facilities
People who live or work in a setting with an outbreak
People required by the health department to be tested (excluding for general surveillance, which is conducted at specific public health agency surveillance testing locations)
Kaiser Permanente patients before surgeries and certain procedures
People required to be tested before seeing their dentist
People who frequently spend time in crowds or on mass transit
Those seeking testing to return to work or college, or to travel
Aloha BOH and readers
What an odyssey this testing plan has been:-). Traveling AA to KOA via PHX from DFW on Sat 10/17/20.
After much research over the weekend, calling AA who doesn’t have much information it seems, and on the phone with our provider, I called my insurance again today to see how we could avoid the $150/person Care Now Rapid result testing and with them on the line they called Quest, CVS and Urgent Care Now to ensure that the coding they use is appropriate.
CVS in Plano is returning tests 2-3days from testing so we’ve scheduled our tests 70 hours prior to our PHX flight, meaning tomorrow around 2pm. Fingers crossed that results will come in within the timeframe. Quest didn’t answer and CareNow takes 3-4days if covered by insurance and not willing to pay $150 per person for rapid results. (Plus, I don’t see them on the trusted list of partners just yet)
Calculated risk that if results don’t come back in time, we still have time to fork out the $150 or $250 at airport if necessary and get results prior to flight.
I looked for locations near me at cvshealth.com/Covid-19/testing-locations and then registered in advance online at cvs.com/minuteclinic/covid-19-testing. You can select times today, tomorrow and the day after. Provided front and back of the insurance card and got an email confirmation for testing tomorrow.
Will keep everyone posted.
Hi Julieta.
Thanks for that. Good luck!
Aloha.
Ok. Here’s the latest. We had our tests done 70hrs prior to our last leg ( 10/14 at 1pm and 3pm respectively) and we both got our results today 10/16 at 5am and 7am! Fewer than two days! So in ~ 40hrs results were in which is a great turnaround. Covered for by insurance and not having to pay the $150 in person or mail-in kit.
So we will be on a plane tomorrow 10/17 at 8:51am from DFW!
Thank you BOH and all other fellow writers and providers of great information.
I will update one more time, once we land and advise of how that experience goes.
Excited to be returning to Hawaii :-).
Hi Julieta.
Thanks for the update. Safe travels (forgive the pun).
Aloha.
Do you think that if my doctor prescribes the test at CVS I can get a quicker response? I went on line and the only appoint I could make was for tomorrow. Had wanted to see if I could get one in December before my flight. Have been tested once by our local lab and got results within 14 hours so if I can use that test, not an issue to have the proper paperwork for my arrival in Lihue, but only if they will recognize that testing lab. Will do more research! Thanks for the update.
Hi Scott.
No idea the answer to that question. But let us know how it goes. Thanks.
Aloha.
Where did some of you hear about writing STAT Hawaii on the Vault return package.
Thanks!
Called them directly and was told this by the representative.
We can confirm Barbara M’s comment about VAULT in Washington state at least. Live in Seattle area, we are flying out to KOA on the 15th on Hawaiian, conducted our VAULT test yesterday via Zoom, lab received our test kit today.
We did not verify we are flying on any particular airline, I did send an email to vault asking about the Hawaiian “preference” including what I’ve read about 24 hour results upon receipt of our samples, was told 24 hours is the turn around time, with no comment about proving flight on Hawaiian.
Keeping our fingers crossed (and praying hard) that the two of us pass all 4 tests, for unrestrained access to the Big I. Also reserved 2 rental vehicles (3 days apart) in the event we need to quarantine for 3 days.
Once again. Lay down the standards for the testing lab and the required time frame for the test and leave it up to the traveling public to get it done. Unfortunately Hawaii’s government doesn’t trust human beings to wipe their own rear ends, (probably a reflection of their own ineptitude, but I digress), so we shouldn’t be surprised!
Lets hope Governor Ige steps out of his comfort zone and allows some leeway for the test and gets the county mayors back in line!
I just used both AFC Urgent Care and Vault for our family’s trip on 10/15. Here is my experience:
AFC Urgent Care- used the Ladera Ranch, CA location. You can schedule 2 days in advance and there was a lot of availability. They will direct bill insurance but you pay $100 out of pocket (plus any copay) if you want the rapid 20 minute response. I paid the $100. The process was easy and efficient. Got a print out before I left. It lists the molecular test (does NOT indicate whether it was rapid or lab), with the date and time.
Vault- used vault for my son who lives in an area without a lot of testing options. Test arrived the next day. He just took his test via zoom and dropped it off at UPS. Assuming UPS delivers the test to Vault tomorrow morning, we should have results Thurs. If you use them, make sure you write STAT Hawaii on the package so they will expedite it.
Very nervous that something will go wrong despite trying to follow all the rules.
If you do make it to the island, PLEASE let’s all be respectful that this will be a nervous time for the residents. We will be wearing masks at all times (except maybe in the ocean), will patronize as many restaurants as possible but will probably get take out and leave a big tip and social distance. If you do eat at a restaurant, try to opt to eat outside and wear a mask anytime an employee comes by. Okay getting off my soapbox but I feel like this is a gift and I would like Hawaii to be successful!
Hi Macie.
Thanks for that report.
Aloha.
You are all NUTS! Going through all this BS to still be restricted in Hawaii? Restaurants are closed, beaches closed, no live music. What are you going for? The locals don;t want you there. And to pay hundreds of dollars for tests? I have gotten 4 tests here in Tucson and they pay me $50 to take them as part of a vaccine study. I canceled my trip to Maui for this past Summer and went to Mexico instead. It was great. People great! Beaches opened up Aug. 1, 2020. All restaurants and shops open. People are so happy to see us there. Yes, we ad to get temps taken, sprayed, wash hands, use sanitizer, temps taken again, etc. But that’s it. They even sprayed our vehicle and then certified it as “hygienico”with a sticker. They are more than careful and have beautiful beaches and lower prices. There are other places as well (Cambodia, Thailand, Dominican). They all have their own system and restrictions but NONE are as bad or useless as Hawaii’s regs. Good Luck if You go. I admire your persistence but that’s it. In the end…. No Fun in Hawaii
Not real sure where you’re getting your info. The beaches are open. Most restaurants are open in limited capacity – but with very few tourist in comparison to the “normal” then that shouldn’t be an issue.
As long as you’re following the physical distancing requirements, and wearing a mask when needed, there’s really not a difference in the experience.
I keep hearing “locals don’t want you there…” and that may be the case for the vocal minority, but business owners that depend on tourism are sure to be welcoming of those of us that are willing to do what is needed to safely travel and help them out in a time of financial ruin.
We scheduled our test at AFC Urgent Care in our hometown in NC. AFC Urgent Care is listed as a trusted testing partner. However on the Safe Travels website (hawaiicovid19.com/travel) where it lists the trusted providers it provides a link for AFC and the link is specific to AFC Portland afcurgentcareportland.com/traveling-hawaii. On that link it says to ask for the Rapid RNA Molecular test and it says they will get a printed copy of your results to you before you leave. My question is whether the only trusted site is in Portland or if the AFC Urgent Care in my hometown is authorized too. And I want to make sure the test they list on their website is acceptable (Rapid RNA Molecular). I have left two messages on the Safe Travels site.
Can you let me know what you find out about AFC Urgent Care sites not based in Portland? I noticed the same thing. I have an AFC Urgent Care not too far from me in FL Nd would like to know if I can use them. Please let me know what you find out.
I just performed my VAULT spit test via Zoom at 2 pm PST (72 hours before my Friday, 10/16/20 United flight from LAX to Lihue). So far, a seamless experience. I then dropped off the test kit at my local UPS store, and it will be shipped today overnight air to the VAULT facility. It will be received tomorrow, Wednesday, and I should get my results by Thursday or Friday morning. VAULT had put a yellow neon sticker on my return package which meant URGENT. I was also told to write STAT/HAWAII on all the packaging. I will update everyone as to when I get my results.
Mahalo. Appreciate learning thru others experiences. We plan to take a very similar path with a late Tuesday test in prep for a Friday flight. Please come back and share your results.
Thanks BofH for the update on how the tests are going. Valuable info for those of us traveling in a few weeks.
Mahalo
Hi Kyle.
Good luck. Let us know how it goes. Thank you.
Aloha.